Kiln supporting means



Jan. 13, 1942.

M. TRESHOW KILN SUPPORTING MEANS Filed May 20, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet lM/cHA EL I TkEsfi/Oug Jan. 13, 1942'.

KILN SUPPORTING MEANS Filed May 20, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet? 4 3a 44 MICHAELf'kes-Hpw,

, M. TRESHOW 2,269,700

Patented Jan. 13, 1942 iii-TED" STATES Ara-r rel-cs 11 Claims.

This invention relates generally to rotary kilns and particularly tomeans for supportingsuch kilns for rotation and forlimited longitudinalmovement as may result from expansion" and contraction of the kiln.

The ordinary rotary kiln such'as is commonly used in the manufacture ofcement comprises generally a cylindrical shell which is lined with aheat resistant material such as fire brick. The kilns are often from 6to 12 feet in diameter and may be from 200 to 500 feet or more inlength. It is necessary to provide means for supporting the weight ofthe kiln and its contents in such a manner that the kiln may be rotated.It is common practice to utilize wide bands of iron encircling the kilnwhich engage large straight faced rollers usually arranged in pairsmounted on concrete piers extending several feet above' the ground. Asthe kilns are subjected to intense heat, the expansion and contractionof a kiln is considerable and as a result the kiln moves longitudinallyon the rollers, placing tremendous stress on these elements and thepiers on which they are mounted. The longitudinal movement of the kilncauses cracking and destruction of the concrete Piers and necessitatesstoppage of the kiln for repair of the piers and the supporting rollers.

By reason of the fact that different parts of the kiln are heated todifferent temperatures, it often results that the kiln may sag or bewarped out of round and with the ordinary means of supporting the kilnin which there is no meansprovided for the rollers to accommodate forengagement with a non-circular portion of the kiln, this often resultsin damage to the inner heat resistant lining of the kiln.

In view of the above pointed out disadvantages of the ordinary meansused for supporting elongated rotatable kilns, it is a primary object ofthis invention to provide a flexible means for supporting a kiln andpermitting rotation thereof which is adapted to accommodate for thelongitudinal movement of the kiln caused by expansion and contraction.In this connection it is an object to provide supporting means in whichthe parts of the supporting means which immediately engage the kiln areflexible and adaptable for movement to accommodate for akiln which maybecome out of round. It is a further object of this invention to providea supporting means in which the parts immediately engaging the kiln aresubjectedonly to'normal loads and not" to forces which would normally besetup and brought to bear on the ordinary supporting structures bylongitudinal shifting of the kiln.

It is also'an object of this invention to provide a kiln supportingmeans between the kiln and a foundation which subjects the foundation tosubstantially vertical loads only and thereby paired withoutnecessitating the stopping of the kiln.

These and other objects will be apparent from the drawings and thefollowing description thereof. Referring to the drawings which are forillustrative purposes only;

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a kiln and the supporting means of thisinvention;

Fig. 2 is a section on line 2--2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a section on line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is an end elevation of one of the supporting units of thisinvention shown with relation to a fragmentary cross section of a kiln;

Fig. 5 is a side elevation of a supporting col-. umn and beam taken inthe plane of lineE-ii of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view on' line 66 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 7 is a plan view of the truck of Fig. 4; and

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary side view of the lower end of a pair of columnsshowing a modified form of support therefor.

More particularly describing the invention,

reference numeral I l generally indicates'a cylindrical kiln which maybe of any desired length and diameter. A stack structure [2 is shown atone end of the kiln. At a point intermediate its ends, the kiln isprovided with a ring gear l3 which may be geared to any suitable motivepower" (not shown) for rotating the kiln. Spaced a short distance fromthe gear l3is a flange Hi which rotatably engages a pair of beveledguide wheels i5 mounted on a suitable base It which rests'on a concretefoundation IT. The flange l4 and guide wheels 15 prevent longitudinalmovement of the immediately adjacent portion of the kiln and expansionof the kiln is outward toward each end from theflange.

numerals l8, l8 and 19. These supporting structures are mounted onconcrete foundation units 20, a, and 20b and the aforementionedfoundation l1. In Fig. l the supporting structures have been shownarranged in pairs on the particular foundation, however, although thisis a preferred way of utilizing the supporting structures. it isunnecessary that the structures be so disposed.

Referring to Figs. 2 to 7 inclusive, each of the supporting structures[8 comprises a pair of substantially vertically disposed columns 22which rest upon base plates 23. In order that the columns may rock onthe bases and may support members for rocking movement at their upperends, the columns are provided with rounded ends. In order to accomplishthis, the columns are shown as consisting of H beams each provided ateach end with what will be termed a cap member 24 having a rounded end.These cap members may be welded to the columns or otherwise securedthereto in any suitable manner.

The lower end of each column 22 is adapted to bear on the base plate 23which is anchored to the foundation by means of the anchor bolts 25. Inorder to limit lateral movement of the bases of the columns each of theplates 23 is provided with a pair of spaced upwardly extending flanges2B which may be welded to the plates 23. These flanges are provided withapertures at each end in order to accommodate the bolt means 21 and 21.This construction forms in effect a socket or seat for the reception ofthe lower end of a column.

At their upper ends each pair of columns supports what will be termed acradle assembly 23 which is adapted to support the kiln I I The cradleassembly comprises what will be termed inverted trucks 3!), one on eachof the columns. The trucks 39 (see Figs. 4, 5 and '7) are each comprisedof a seat element 3| which is provided with a recess 32 to accommodatethe upper end of a column 22. The seat element is provided with aconcave recess 33 which is adapted to receive a cylindrical beam 34.Suitable straps 35 extend over the beam and are attached to the seatelement by means of the bolts 36. This construction serves to secure theseat element and beam together and at the ame time permits of rotativeadjustment of the beam in the seat.

The beam 34 is provided with two flat recesses 38, each of which isadapted to receive a cross arm 39, preferably of spring material, whichis securely fastened to the beam by means of bolts 40. The beam isprovided with the bosses 4] to provide an abutting face for the heads ofthe bolts. A plate 42 extends across the top of the two spaced crossarms serving to connect them and strengthen the assembly. This plate isattached to the members by the bolts which extend through the plate aswell as through the beam 33 and cross arms 39.

Near their outer ends each cross arm is provided with a bearing block44. These are adapt ed to rotatably mount a shaft 45 at one end and a.shaft 45' at the other. The shafts extend between the cross armstransversely thereof and have mounted thereon a pair of flanged wheels46, 46 respectively. In the form of the invention shown, it is preferredthat the shafts 45, 45 be rotatably mounted by means of suitableantifriction bearing means 44 and that the flanged wheels be secured toeach shaft in spaced relation, however, it is of course within the scopeof the invention to provide other means of rotatably mounting thewheels.

The wheels are provided with their flanges on adjacent sides therebyproviding a guide means to insure the wheels running on the tracks orrails 48 on the kiln, subsequently to be described.

Each set of columns is provided with a pair of tie rods 5|] which extendfreely through holes 51 in the ends of the beams 34. It is to be notedthat the holes 5| are larger in diameter than the diameter of the tierods. The outer ends of the rods are threaded and provided with nuts 52which engage against washers 53. These washers are provided with acurved inner face which corresponds to the outer surface of the beam.With this construction limited rocking movement of each inverted truck30 is permitted by reason of the fact that the tie rods 50 extend freelythrough the holes 5| in the beams. The wheels are thereby able toautomatically accommodate themselves to any non-circular portions of thetracks 48 of the kiln.

It may be desirable in some instances to provide each set of supportingmeans IS with a lateral bracing means such as indicated at the extremeend of the kiln in Fig. l and by the sets I8 and as more clearly shownin Fig. 3. Thus in Fig. 3 the columns 22 are each provided with lateralbraces 54 pivotally connected at their upper ends by means of bolts 54'to the column 22 and having their lower ends mounted on base plates 23similar to the plates 23. The lower ends of the braces 54 are roundedbut extend generally diagonally to the longitudinal axis of the braces.A tie rod 55 is provided which extends from the lower end of each column22 substantially horizontal to the lower end of the braces 54. Thisconstruction prevents any possibility of the supporting means 19 gettingout of line or permitting lateral movement of the kiln wherever suchsupporting means are placed. When the braced supporting means is placedat the end as shown in Fig. 3 any warp of the kiln between such supportand the central support is accommodated by the intermediate support l8which may move laterally as may be required.

The kiln itself is provided with circular rails generally indicated byreference numeral 48 upon which the wheels 45 and 46 are adapted toride. These rails are spaced in pairs as shown in Fig. l and comprise amember 56 which is welded to or otherwise secured to the outer metalwall 5'! of the kiln. To this is secured the rail 58 by means of thecircular strips 59 and welding 60.

The sets of supports 19 indicated in Fig. 1 are in all respects similarto the sets I8 except that the columns are much shorter in length.

In operation of the kiln, the kiln is rotated by means of any suitablemotive power connected to the gear wheel l3. Suitable means are providedfor heating the kiln and during heating and periods of cooling, when thekiln may be out of production for any reason, the kiln expands andcontracts several inches. During the expansion and contraction the setsof supporting means l8, l8 and i9 are free to rock and accommodate forany longitudinal movement of the kiln caused by either contraction orexpansion. It is apparent that at all times the beams 34 will bedisposed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the kiln thereby insuringthat the trucks and the flanged Wheels thereon will properly engage therails 48 on the kiln. The reason for this is that the columns 22 arefree to rock or tilt with respect to both the foundation upon which theyrest and with respect to the trucks mounted at their upper ends.

When the columns are placed in pairs as shown in the drawings it issometimes desirable to provide for unequal vertical movement of thecolumns. This is accomplished by having the lower ends of the columns 22rest upon a beam 65 (see Fig. 8) which is supported intermediate itsends by a plate 66 having a slightly rounded upper face. The plate 55 ismounted on a plate 61 which rests on a concrete foundation 68, beingsecured thereto by a bolt 69. This construction permits the beam 65 torock with consequent vertical movement of the columns 22.

It is contemplated that various changes and modifications mightbe madewithin the scope of the invention and it is intended to cover suchchanges as come within the claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. In combination, a kiln, foundation means beneath said kiln, uprightkiln supporting members resting on said foundation means at pointsspaced longitudinally of the kiln, said supporting members being free totilt a limited distance in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis ofthe kiln, and means interposed between said kiln and each of saidsupporting members for rotatably mounting said kiln.

2. In apparatus for supporting a rotary kiln or the like, a foundation;a substantially vertical column supported on said foundation for ockingmovement; means including longitudinally spaced wheels for engaging theobject to be supported, said means being mounted for rocking movement onsaid column; and means limiting lateral movement of said means forengaging the object to be supported.

3. In combination, a cylindrical kiln; a rail encircling said kiln andmounted thereon; a foundation; a substantially horizontally disposedbeam mounted on said foundation and extending at right angles to thelongitudinal axis of the kiln, said beam being mounted for rockingmovement on said foundation: a pair of spaced columns supported on andadapted to rock on said beam; an inverted truck resting on and rockableon each column, said trucks having spaced wheels engaging said rail andforming a cradle for said kiln; and means connecting said trucks.

4. Means for supporting a kiln for rotation and for limited longitudinalmovement resulting from expansion and contraction comprising: afoundation; a pair of spaced substantially vertical columns mounted onsaid foundation for tilting movement; means including a tie rodconnecting said columns at their upper ends for preventing spreadingthereof; and cradle means supported on said columns for rocking movementthereon, said cradle means including rotatable members adapted to engagethe kiln.

5. Means for supporting a kiln for rotation and for limited longitudinalmovement resulting from expansion and contraction comprising: afoundation; a pair of spaced substantially vertical columns mounted onsaid foundation for tilting movement; means including a tie rodconnecting said columns at their upper ends for preventing spreadingthereof; an arm mounted on each of said columns transversely to thelongitudinal axis of the kiln, said arms being rockable on said columns;and a pair of spaced rotatable members on each of said arms adapted toengage the kiln; said arms and rotatable members together forming acradle for said kiln.

6. Means for supporting a kiln for rotation and for limited longitudinalmovement resulting from expansion and contraction comprising: afoundation; a pair of spaced substantially vertical columns mounted onsaid foundation for tilting movement; an inverted truck mounted on eachof said columns for rocking movement thereon and having wheels adaptedto engage the kiln, said trucks forming a cradle for the reception ofthe kiln; and a tie rod connecting said trucks.

'7. Means for supporting a kiln for rotation and for limitedlongitudinal movement resulting from expansion and contractioncomprising: a foundation; a pair of spaced substantially verticalcolumns mounted on said foundation for tilting movement; an invertedtruck mounted on each of said columns for rocking movement thereon andhaving wheels adapted to engage the kiln, said trucks forming a cradlefor the reception of the kiln; a tie rod connecting said trucks; and alateral brace extending from each of said columns to said foundation.

8. In apparatus for supporting a rotary kiln or the like, a foundation;a column pivotally mounted on said foundation, said column having arounded upper end; an inverted truck adapted to rest on said column,said truck including a seat element for engaging the upper end of saidcolumn andmeans for limiting movement of said truck laterally of thekiln or the like to be supported.

9. In combination a foundation; a pair of spaced substantially verticalcolumns adapted to rest on said foundation and rock thereon; a beam oneach of said columns adapted to rest and rock thereon; a tie rodconnecting said beams; a pair of cross arms mounted on each beam, saidcross arms on one column being oppositely inclined to those on the othercolumn,

the lower ends of said cross arms being inwardly of said columns; andflanged Wheels mounted at each end of each pair of said cross arms.

10. In combination, a cylindrical kiln; a rail encircling said kiln andmounted thereon; a foundation; a pair of columns supported and adaptedto rock on said foundation; an inverted truck resting on and rockable oneach column, said trucks having spaced flanged wheels engaging said railat spaced points and forming a cradle for said kiln.

11. In combination, a cylindrical kiln; a rail encircling said kiln andmounted thereon; a foundation; a pair of columns supported and adaptedto rock on said foundation; an inverted truck resting on and rockable oneach column, said trucks having spaced flanged wheels engaging said railat spaced points and forming a cradle for said kiln; and means forpermitting relative vertical movement of said columns.

MICHAEL TRESHOW.

